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The Spectacle Blog
The debate may well have been won and lost in the opening minutes. CNN’s John King asked the first question about Marianne Gingrich’s statement that Newt Gingrich, her former husband, had wanted an open marriage. Then Gingrich did what he does best: he went after the moderator, getting a standing ovation in the process.
Gingrich may not have been as effective after the fact, but who knows how many people will notice. Rick Santorum had his strongest debate yet. He was more effective in going after Mitt Romney on health care than anybody has been in the debates so far. He also had some good moments going after the defects in Newt Gingrich’s congressional record, speaking to the self-promotion that at times led Gingrich to undermine conservative goals. That is storming Fort Gingrich at its strongest point.
Romney had another weak debate. Although the discussion went on far too long, it is clear that his position on releasing his tax returns won’t hold water. His justifications for his Massachusetts health care plan were similarly problematic and he used the term “Romneycare” for, as far as I know, the first time. Anytime Romney has to defend his abortion stance at length, it is probably a bad thing.
The moderators did their best to ignore Ron Paul. Paul’s supporters in the audience protested loudly when the moderator bypassed their candidate — a pro-life ob-gyn who has delivered over 4,000 babies — during the abortion discussion. King relented, allowing Paul to talk about an issue where he in principle agrees with the Republican base. There was no discussion of foreign policy to highlight Paul’s differences with the GOP rank-and-file.
Two big questions: Will Gingrich’s forceful response to King — whom he later described as doing a good job as moderator — overshadow anything else that happened? And was Santorum’s performance strong enough to convince a critical mass of conservatives to support him rather than coalesce behind Gingrich? We’ll soon see.
View all comments (18) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by W. James Antle, III
http://spectator.org/blog/2012/01/20/debate-wrap
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Jack in Wi.| 1.20.12 @ 2:27AM
The Washington Times had a poll out this week which found that about half of Republicans were uneasy with our foreign entanglements. 70% of the population wants out of these wars and no war with Iran. no prowar Republican can win. I expect if romney is the nominee,he will suddenly come out for peace. Ron Paul ruled the debate. Gingrich was destroyed as a blowhard. He is un eelectable and would get minimum votes from women, the young, disaffected Democrats, and Independents and the polling proves it. It is getting down to the only 2 guys who can beat Obama Romney and Ron Paul. They poll the best head to head against Obama.
spike59| 1.20.12 @ 6:34AM
ronpaul won over the committed rontards, as usual...other people? not so much
RJ| 1.20.12 @ 3:14AM
While he probably is still a long shot for the nomination, I have been increasingly impressed with Rick Santorum. His debating skills have improved dramatically, he defends his positions well, he comes across as authentic, he has not engaged in pandering or mud-slinging, he has led an honorable life, he has an impressive record of legislative accomplishments and he connects well with the middle class. I think he would run the strongest race against Obama and probably be the best President. While I prefer other candidate's economic policies to Santorum's, I like Santorum as the candidate and potential President.
Newt is Newt, the Babe Ruth of the GOP; he hits big, he strikes out big. Romney just can't demonstrate conviction to the voters on important issues and seems unable to defend himself.
I really want to hear Ron Paul talk more about the Fed, a return to sound money policy and provide examples of wasteful and silly government spending which needs to be eliminated. It seemed that he used much of his time tonight going into foreign policy rather than these domestic issues, which are his strong suit.
Clint| 1.20.12 @ 6:22AM
" CBS Poll: Independents Prefer Ron Paul Vs Obama
In a head to head match up with incumbent President Barack Obama, the indie voter chooses Ron Paul, a CBS News poll suggested on Monday.
A total of 47% of independent voters said they would choose Ron Paul compared to 45% of independent voters choosing Mitt Romney against Obama, and 41% of independents saying they would choose Rick Santorum. If a Paul-Obama showdown were ever to take place, 47% of independent voters would vote for Paul, 81% republicans and 10% Democrats for a total of 45% of the vote. Obama would get just 40% of the independent vote in that contest, with 85% of the Democrats choosing Obama and 9% of Republicans choosing the President on election day in November. Obama would win the general election by a narrow one point margin if the election was held today between the two."
The Tea Party Rebellion Is In South Carolina.
spike59| 1.20.12 @ 6:36AM
you just don't get it, do you? here it is, as plainly as i can say it:
RON PAUL WILL NEVER EVER EVER BE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. EVER.
sorry to be so blunt, but it seems to take a LOT to get committed Ronulans to face reality
Indy| 1.20.12 @ 8:09AM
Independents prefer anyone to Obama
SCPOret| 1.20.12 @ 8:56AM
So Clint by your own calculations Ron Paul loses. And even Ron Paul says he can't see himself in the oval office. Lastly Paul has said he is not in it to win the presidency but only to get a speakers place at the convention and to influence the party platform.
Full Disclosure - Ron Paul is my congressman and I have voted for him every time he has run for congress. But I won't vote for him for President.
Dai Alanye | 1.20.12 @ 11:10AM
We need to understand that Clint's true goal is to damage RonPaul by driving off potential supporters with the use of stupid and insulting propaganda. He's actually a Romneyite.
Clint| 1.20.12 @ 6:50AM
Dr.Ron Paul Has The Israel Firster Smear Bund Very Upset And All PMS'y.
Call Your Mancrush, Bibi.
The Tea Party Rebellion Steps On The Israel Firster Smear Bund.
anon| 1.20.12 @ 7:29AM
Actually about 80% of the audience booed the moderator trying to skip Paul. Whether they support him or not people are sick of the media trying to shove their chosen candidates down their throat and different opinions censored.
Funny how now they're all on board with the anti-SOPA bit now (except Santorum), yet are all on board with NDAA (except Paul). Guess when you can lock up anyone, anytime indefinitely for any reason you can let them have free speech - that way gov knows who to 'disappear'. Gingrich was articulate but its obvious the only things that come out of his mouth are what he thinks people want to hear. Romney was romney.
TycheSD| 1.20.12 @ 4:28PM
I agree that people are tired of the media and what they choose to focus on. They pretty much determine what is important and who can win.
Fox and CNN short-changed Ron Paul in both South Carolina debates. CNN's post-debate coverage focused almost exclusively on Romney's tax records and Gingrich's marital issues. They did not mention Ron Paul at all until the very end when John King said that Paul will be in the race until the end. That was it!
Nancy in NC| 1.20.12 @ 7:31AM
Clint and Jack are two of the main reasons Ron Paul is unelectable. I have stopped reading their reduntant rants long ago.
Derek Leaberry| 1.20.12 @ 11:50AM
You are right. Rabid Paulites only do him harm.
martin j smith| 1.20.12 @ 8:12AM
i ignore the views of Ron Paul Supporters for they love Obama. I love that Newt nukedd Cnn
Derek Leaberry| 1.20.12 @ 10:00AM
It is not surprising that virtually all Democrats wallow in the vulgar mass culture and find nothing wrong in Newt Gingrich's romantic escapades. However, a majority of Republicans swim in the same cultural swill. Gingrich's lack of character means little to most Republicans as long as Gingrich can whip President Obama in debate and win election. Christian morality is about as dead in the Republican Party as it is in the country as a whole. Newt Gingrich will win the South Carolina primary by at least five points and his chances of being nominated are about as good as Romney's. The Republican Party deserves both of these very flawed candidates- the cretin and the chameleon.
Dai Alanye | 1.20.12 @ 11:26AM
Gingrich has made his mark so far in the campaign by being the anti-media candidate. It shot him to the top of the polls in Iowa, and has given him a spurt after every debate in which he's used it. Without it he wouldn't be in contention. Last night's display was the highpoint of this tactic.
But a tactic is what it is. Gingrich's angry dismay was manufactured purposely to gain the sympathy and support of the audience, and it worked like a charm. He attacked the messenger and almost slew him.
But it's a dangerous tactic, a potentially two-edged sword. What would have happened last night if, after Newt ended his rant, John King would have said, "You call these questions despicable, Mr Speaker, but are they as despicable as your behavior toward your ex-wives?"
This would have occasioned another uproar from the audience, I'm sure, but Newt would have had his problems answering. If in the future he runs up against a more tenacious and less gentlemanly questioner -- a Chris Matthews, for instance -- he'll not come off so well. His basic problem is that his behavior has been bad, and can be defended only by counter-attacking the media or blaming the women. It cannot be excused.
Margie| 1.20.12 @ 2:06PM
I agree.. and it's precisely why I think Santorum will be considered all the more by a lot of people.
Michael| 1.20.12 @ 2:25PM
There is an example of a response to Brother Gingrich's way of dealing with a question about his choices in a clear and loud statement of disgust by a member of a 5-person panel that regularly meets for a fair and balanced discussion on Fox News earlier this week when the matter is Brother Gingrich and a remark to Juan Williams.
Mr King allowed Brother Gingrich to be a candidate hoist upon his own petard.